Here is this monster of a chapter! I hope you guys like it.
Thanks again for the kind reviews!
Chapter 11
Charles felt someone shift beside him and a small hand wrap over his waist protectively. He blinked himself awake and immediately his head began to throb, the light in the room made his eyes hurt. He sat up the bad and groaned at everything ached, especially his head. How much did he drink?
He looked down at Mary and touched her silky tresses, his chest fluttered at sight of her. Then decided he needed to back to his chambers. Just as he moved to get up, Mary was already off the bed before he was.
Charles gave her a confused look. "You were awake?"
Mary shrugged. "I couldn't sleep." She turned collecting his clothes they were still damp. Then she suddenly remembered the newly made shirts she had packed with her. How did she forget? The problem is remembering which luggage she put them in.
Charles slowly stood up from the bed but instantly sat down. He sighed and looked at his bloody bandages in annoyance; he was a fool and his head about to explode. Then he heard a loud crash and he whipped his head in her direction.
Mary rubbed her head and gave him a sheepish grin. She seemed to have hit her head against the table. "I forgot I had this." She said as she opened the chest. After seeing her rummage quickly through her neatly folded clothes and she stopped, and finally pulled out two parcels.
She stood up and handed him the biggest parcel. "I made these shirts for you."
Charles took them from her and opened them. "Mine?" He couldn't help but feel touched that his young wife would make anything for him.
"I hope I got the measurements right. I'm not the best at needle work, my mother on the other hand..." She rambled and she wanted nothing else but for someone to slap her mouth shut.
He as she put on one of the shirts on and inspected the shirt. It fit him well, nicely stitched and the fabric was quite soft. Charles smiled at her work; he couldn't help but feel adoration for her.
"They fit perfectly well, very well done. Thank you."
Mary let out a breath of relief. "I'm glad."
He couldn't stop smiling and realized he must look stupid. So he cleared his throat and pointed to the other parcel in her hand. "And those."
" I had these done for the princess as well." Handing him another parcel of blankets she embroiled for Elizabeth. "Will you make sure she receives them? Don't tell them they are from me."
"I would be happy to give them to her."
Mary smiled and combed her heir hairs with her fingers anxiously. A habit Charles had long noticed and found it endearing.
He slowly stood up again and grimaced. Mary immediately went to help him. "Should you be standing?"
Charles only grinned shamefacedly. "Not really but I deserve it for being a drunken idiot."
"Should I call for someone? The surgeon?"
He shook his head. "No but want to apologize for last night's events. I don't know what came over me." To say he was embarrassed would be an understatement. He hated that he got drunk and came straight to Mary's, it reminded him of his youth when he'd come drunk from the tavern straight into any woman's bed. Maybe that was his intention but he thanked God that for once in his life he was not successful.
"I am hardly the first wife to have witnessed her husband drunk." She told him taking his arm to support him.
Charles said nothing because she was right about that. "I shouldn't have forced myself on you."
Mary paused. "It is fine. I'm not angry."
"You're disappointed." His tone expressed his shame.
"Yes." She said simply. "In a way but-"
"You don't need to explain."
Mary hesitated unsure if she should tell him, but then her mouth opened and she blurted out. "But not for the reasons you think!" Her eyes widened in shock as soon as the words left.
Charles raised his brows in surprise unsure what to make of her response.
He reached out to touch her cheek. "Tell me."
Just when she was about to respond a knock was heard on the door. They both stared at each other and then she instantly scrambled to hide Charles' clothes underneath the bed and then Charles hid behind the bed. Making himself as flat as possible on the ground. They had no option her quarters were not big and had nothing to hide his tall frame.
"I know you are in there!" It was her father's mistress. Charles immediately stood up from his spot in realization.
"What should I do?" Mary mouthed.
"Open it."
"And you?"
"I won't leave you alone with her. Whatever she has to say she can say it in front of me."
"No. Hide right now I will handle her."
Charles was about to protest but the knocks became more frequent and Mary pushed him down beside the bed after elbowing his injury. He immediately went down in pain and looked at Mary in shock. Was that necessary? He mouthed.
She gave him an apologetic look before making a move for the door.
Mary opened the door and was face to face with the woman who ruined her and her mother's lives.
She opened the door and bowed. "You're majesty."
Anne seethed and pushed her aside. "How dare you come and show your bastard face in court."
Mary flinched at the word bastard and then looked up at Anne in defiance. Anne no longer looked like that young beautiful vixen her father destroyed the kingdom for. This Anne was very pale, had an exhausted expression with swollen eyes that looked like she was crying all night. It seems that vivacious light that once radiated off of her has disappeared.
"You should ask the king."
"He means to make you legitimate?" She touched her forehead in a panic and breathed hard. "Oh my god! He's going to do it!"
Mary said nothing.
"Are you too proud to speak?" Something in the way Mary held herself reminded Anne of Katherine. "Well?"
Silence…
Anne closed in on her and stared at her right into Mary's steel blue eyes.
"You better hope that is the case." She whispered menacingly.
Mary glared at her trying hard not to wring Anne's neck. "It is." Every part of her shook in rage.
Anne gave her a cold smirk and was satisfied.
"He's finally grown tired of you hasn't he?"
Anne's smile dropped. "What did you say?"
This time Mary didn't care about the words she was about to say. She hoped it would cut her like she has done to her mother and herself a thousand times over. "You now see how disposable you truly are."
Suddenly felt her left side of her face sting. Anne stepped closer and grabbed Mary by the collar of her night gown. "I have a mind not to lock you away in the tower. Or perhaps I should expose everyone of your presence."
She pulled away from Anne and wiped the blood from her touched her nose as a coppery taste now assaulted her mouth.
"And suffer his wrath?"
"You dare to challenge me?"
"No, I wouldn't dare your grace." She said in an even tone.
Without a word Anne exited the room and Mary stared blankly at the door. She heard him limp behind her and grabbed her elbow but she resisted him.
"Let me see." He insisted and immediately checked her nose. He took off his shirt to stop the bleeding.
"You'll ruin it." She protested.
He froze, "Right." And he grabbed the sheet from the bed . "Sit and tilt your head back" He instructed and Mary did as she was told.
Charles stared at her with different eyes. He had never seen Mary act like that.
"You are staring." Mary shifted uncomfortably under his blue gaze.
Charles bit back a smile and shook his head. "She knocked you quite hard."
Mary blinked and looked right at him. "Do you find this amusing?"
"No, not in the least." He sat back on the bed taking her down beside him. "Just surprised really,"
"That I spoke against her?"
"No." The way his eyes brightened mischievously showed his boyish charm. Mary couldn't help but distract herself in the way he smiled, how his cheeks curved into beautiful crevices when he did. His shaped lips widened into a white smile. "That you didn't strike back."
Mary gaped at his words. "I wouldn't!"
"Perhaps."
"Well that is not how I would react." She paused. "However, I can't say the idea did not cross my mind."
Mary removed the bloody sheet from her nose and touched it. She hissed in pain.
He inspected it. "It's not broken, it will feel tender for a while."
"I can't believe she hit me with a closed hand." Mary sat stunned as if it finally dawned on her that she was hit.
"I can," He gritted out, he was upset and felt that he should be angrier but seeing Mary's reaction seemed to tame his emotions.
"I did provoke her." Sensing his displeasure.
Charles shook his head. "You did not provoke. What you said was the truth."
"Still, I knew better." Mary sighed. "But I could not help myself. She made me so angry."
Charles wanted to keep telling her not to be so hard on herself especially since it was the whore who struck her. But it was their conversation before they were interrupted that weighed on his mind.
"Mary." He began.
"Yes."
Charles stayed silent for a moment and changed his mind. "I should get going."
In surprise she stood up abruptly. "Right," She helped him to his feet.
"I can manage." He said but his tone caused Mary to frown. There was something off in the manner he spoke.
***In the Gardens***
Mary walked briskly through the outside halls feeling the cold bite her skin. She shivered and wondered why it wasso cold and yet no snow. She hadn't seen Charles in 3 days and she began to worry so she sent Chapuys to find him who told her he had gone to a week long hunting trip with her father. However, Mary knew it was not just an ordinary hunt, usually her father tended to escape to the country or the woods so he could forget about his troubles at court.
She confided to Chapuys about the confrontation with Anne Boleyn as she was worried that she would expose her in court or engage in confrontations but Chapuys told her not to worry. It appears the King had threatened her to keep quiet. Either way the Queen was not in court either she had been on her way to Hatfield to visit Elizabeth for a few weeks. This relieved Mary because she really did not want come across the King or Anne.
Mary leaned against the ledge of the fountain thinking about home and Henry. She had been away from him for too long and debated sending him to court but realized she couldn't without risking her identity.
She let out a deep breath and headed inside as the dark seemed to slip into the orange skies. She headed up the stair wall when someone grabbed her elbow. She turn around half expecting to see Charles but saw it was the young nobleman from before. He placed a finger on her lips to hush her and took her behind a heavily veiled room.
"My Lady." He bowed. "Forgive my forceful hand but I have no one else to go to."
Mary looked at him in alarm. "Your grace, I don't understand. "
The nobleman sighed and took her hand. "I can only show you. Don't worry I will not kidnap you."
She raised her brow in confusion and let him lead her into another dark room. The room was quiet until she heard someone whimper. Mary stopped in her tracks. "What's this?"
His green eyes flashed in anger and clenched his jaw. He went into the bedroom where a small figure was curled in the bed. "Elizabeth." He called gently.
Elizabeth stiffened and moved her head to face them. Mary covered her mouth in shock and immediately went to her. Elizabeth's face was so battered and swollen she could barely cry because it was so painful. She must not have been no older than 14. ""You must call for a surgeon. What happened to her?" Mary cried out and she uncovered her to see the extent of her injuries. Her legs were black and blue especially around her thigh region. Was she raped?
"Her husband." The young man gritted out. "I had to take her away from him. He could have kill her."
Mary looked at him. "But she's a child."
"I know but I can't keep her here for long. He will know that I have her."
She stood still for a moment when she realized what he was trying to do. "You want me to hide her."
"Yes." He patted Elizabeth's tangled waves gently. "I know we barely know each other but I am quite desperate."
"Perhaps it is good that we are mere acquaintances. No one will suspect me."
He gazed at Mary for a long moment as if wondering if he could trust her. Then his expression softened and nodded. "Yes."
"Is she your sister?"
He nodded and sighed. "I told father not to marry her to that monster but he was more interested in her husband's money instead of her well being."
Mary placed her hand on his forearm in a comforting way. "What will you do? You can't hide her forever."
He stared at her hand on his arm and then looked at her. "I know. I must come up with a plan."
"If this reaches the king." Mary warned. "He could throw you in prison."
"I don't care, she is my sister."
Mary couldn't help but admire him and was almost jealous of his sister for having a protective brother that would risk everything thing to keep her from harm.
"You must move her to my chambers tonight." Mary as she turned her heel to leave. She needed to make preparations and speak to Chapuys.
"Wait!" He called her. "What is your name?"
"Mary."
He flashed a small smile, it was charming and Mary had a feeling like Charles it had devastating effects on women in court.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Mary."
***At the Feast***
It had been three days since he had returned to court and three days since he found her room empty. Charles walked through the halls, the gardens looking for her but nothing. And now he sat at the King's table overlooking his subjects during another feast as the king appears to be in a good mood. Perhaps it has to do with a blonde he discovered while out and about. He glanced from his table over to the corner where she normally sat, funny how she always seemed to try to find him not knowing where he was. When in fact he always noticed where she sat, with Chapuys or alone just observing the scene before her. Once in a while she would be approached by nobleman where she seemed aloof to their advances. That was because she was quite shy and reserved that it came off cold. However, most men can't resist coldness from women, it gave them a challenge and new sense of purpose.
He looked at the empty seat again with longing until Thomas Boleyn grabbed his shoulder in a friendly way when Charles knew they were anything but friends.
"When will you ever get married? It has been years."
"Only two years." He corrected. Well two years since Margret died and about a year with Mary.
"So you have not found a woman to share your bed outside fornication?"
Charles flashed a fake smirk. "It will take quite a woman to keep my full attention."
"I suppose at one point you must have exhausted the stock at court."
He shrugged and drank his wine. He suddenly found himself having eye contact with pale blue eyes which seemed to burn with loath. Anne glared at him for a long moment until he nodded his head in courtesy, something about her look gave him an unsettling feeling. She hated him even more these days as if that was possible. She
He decided to ignore it and went to look for Chapuys. Charles immediately excused himself and saw the middle age Spanish man speaking to another man. Whatever the man said to him caused the ambassador to spring form his chair and exit the room. Charles hesitated before deciding to follow, it could be about Mary he told himself.
Chapuys made a sharp turn to the right and went up the stairs. Charles waited for a bit until his steps turned faint and then went the stairs as quietly as he could. Once he reached the top he leaned against the wall to conceal himself from view and listened.
"How is she?" Chapuys asked.
"She's been better." Charles heard a young man's voice. No one he could recognize.
"Did you know?"
"No, no one knew."
"Is she able to leave tonight?"
"The surgeon advised not to. We will have to wait 2 days at most."
"I pity that child." Chapuys sighed. " I will let my men know about the delay."
"Thank you, your grace."
Charles could hear Chapuys turn around to leave and so he slid further in the darkness behind a pillar. He could not help but feel stupid for putting himself in such a situation. He could have just stopped him and ask like any grown man would but he didn't. His instincts told him to follow him and just when he was about to turn to leave he heard her.
"Your grace." She breathed as if she was doing hard labour. "Did everything get settled?"
"Yes." He told her. "Your gown- you must change."
"I will. Come inside she is asking for you."
The younger man hesitated. "I don't know what to say."
Charles peered from the corner and saw Mary place her hand on the man's forearm reassuringly. "It's not what you say that matters. Your presence is enough." She always knew what to say in the darkest moments.
"I suppose you're right."
Mary stepped into the light and gave him a sad smile.
Charles watched the door close and he walked over to the closed chambers. Inside Charles raged with anger, why was she alone with a man he did not know and what sort of trouble is she in? He wanted to break down the door and demand answers. But instead he walked away refusing to act out his adolescent jealousy and decided he would speak to Chapuys.
***Undisclosed Chambers***
Mary felt as if as she was falling and she jerked awake. She rubbed her eyes tiredly and quickly observed the girl with blonde hair on the bed. She seemed fast asleep finally, her eyes were swollen from the tears she cried all day. Mary stood over her and smoothed Elizabeth's hair, it was sweaty probably from fever and the trauma her body suffered from the miscarriage.
Mary sighed and sat on the chair again in exhaustion. Her head throbbed which caused her to close her eyes to clear her mind. But when she tried it always came back to the Duke and their marriage. Mary couldn't help but feel grateful to God that she married Charles. Especially when she looked at the young girl on the bed and how that could have been her, on their wedding night Elizabeth's husband had a cruel streak and raped her because he saw her fear as resistance. That first night was one of many nights and Edward had been privy to her troubles and tried to tell their father to take action but he wouldn't. She'd been married 8 months and Elizabeth couldn't bear it anymore and tried to take her life but her husband caught her before she could go through with it and beat her senseless. Her servants immediately told her brother. He found her unconscious and took her away. And now here they were waiting to take Elizabeth away to Spain.
Hearing her story and seeing the result the abuse she endured, made Mary reflect on her own marriage. Her and Elizabeth had many things in common and yet nothing in common. Like every girl in the realm they both married older noblemen, a stranger and but unlike Mary, Elizabeth had an advantageous match. They have been married for nearly a year and saw their husbands periods at a time except her husband brutalized her whereas Charles never pushed her or in so much as touch Mary unless she is comfortable. In a year she has managed to get pregnant. Charles on the other hand has left everything on her terms something that is absurd in the world they live in. Men see their wives as a another piece of property but not Charles, he saw her as a girl he needed to protect. Over time he changed and sought out a friendship with her and she slowly began to trust him. And things changed between them perhaps more for Charles than for Mary; he fell in love with her. This left her lost and unsure of her feelings still especially since Kat. Yet being at court things have become a little clearer.
Mary went back to her chair, with her eyes stinging with sleep but she felt anxious. She opened the chamber door and exited the apartment, it was 5 am and still dark. Mary pulled her navy robe tighter around her unable and she wrapped a thick black cloak because she was going to need it where she was going. She walked outside but stopped taking in how the blue moon shone brightly in the night sky. Mary stepped on to the courtyard and admiring the snowfall. A strong arm gripped her forearm and pulled her against them, Mary almost screamed but a large hand covered her mouth. They were behind a pillar and the shadows surrounded them. Mary resisted her capturer forcing them to pull her down.
"Shhh." He hushed. "Don't scream."
They were on the ground with Mary sitting in between his long legs. Mary relaxed against his hold and nodded.
He let her go and running his thumb on her cheek. "Forgive me for scaring you. Are you hurt?"
"No." She was way too tired to feel surprised. "How did you know?"
"Chapuys." He did not want to admit to following him.
" I told him not to mention anything to you."
"He really didn't have a choice." He defended the Spanish ambassador.
Mary yawned as tears stung her eyes. "Why are you here?"
Charles stayed silent for a moment before taking her small hands into his large ones. "I was thinking about whether to knock on your door but before I could take any action I saw you leave."
"What?" Mary was shocked. "At this time? Why would you?"
"I have a solution." He whispered into her ear causing her to shudder. "I will speak to the husband and get an annulment."
"Can you make that happen?"
"Yes."
"Are you that powerful?" Divorce was considered terrible.
"I do have some influence."
Mary wasn't a fool she knew how much power he had being the king's favourite. "I believe you have a lot of influence."
He shifted his more comfortably in his position. "I am no prince."
"I don't care that you aren't."
That's not how Charles felt and he felt like this with Margret. He always felt inadequate because of his status.
Mary suddenly stood up from the ground. "I should go back inside and you must rest in your chambers."
Charles sighed and got onto his feet. "Not before I pay her husband a visit."
"What will you do?"
He pulled her close by the shoulders and stared straight into her eyes. "I will shake him down and he will give in to my demands."
She stayed planted for a long moment until she opened her mouth. "Regardless of recent events I still want this marriage." She took his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
Charles stiffened and he wanted to say something but he couldn't. For someone who always had a say for everything, with Mary she has managed to render him speechless on a few occasion.
"You don't have to say anything." Mary told him quietly before turning to leave.
Hearing her echoing his words caused him to break into a smile.
***Two days later***
Mary waited with Chapuys outside while they waited on Edward and his sister. It was very early morning and sun had not begun to set but Mary had a feeling it would not be a sunny day as she watched the snow slowly trickle down to the ground. Two blonde figures slowly made their way out of entrance gate of Whithall Palace. Edward was carefully guiding his sister toward their carriage.
Mary gave her a warm hug. "I am glad you are feeling better. Let's write each other. I will be praying for you."
The younger girl stared at the ground and nodded. She wasn't able to say much these days, it didn't help that her neck was so bruised that she found it painful to speak. But Mary also noticed that Elizabeth was terribly shy and could see how her husband could have seen it in defiance.
As they helped her climb into carriage, the nobleman pulled her to the side. "I want to thank you for your help. I don't know what I would have done without you."
Mary smiled gently. "I am just relieved she is safe."
"I know but to help a complete stranger." He trailed off and his green eyes found her silver ones. His stare softened and his features relaxed, Mary hadn't seen him like this since he escorted her to her chambers. The last few weeks he was completely on edge and so serious, he barely resembled the carefree man she had met at the banquet.
"You trusted a complete stranger." She told him. "I don't know why but you did."
"For some reason I felt you were trust worthy." He grabbed her hand into his rough ones, to which Mary stiffened at the contact. No other man had ever touched her like this.
"What happens next?" Mary asked shifting uncomfortably, she tried to pull her hand back but he only tightened his grip.
He stepped closer towards her, "She will be home and the rest is up to my father." He sighed and entwined his fingering into hers playfully. He whispered into her ear. "How may I repay you?" He whispered sending shivers down her back.
Mary stayed quiet one moment, pursing her lips before speaking. "You don't. It was the Christian thing to do." She breathed resting her hand on top of his forearm before final pulling away. "Good bye, sir."
The nobleman stood staring at her taking in her reaction. He suddenly adverted his eyes on the ground and smiled wirily. "Good bye Lady Bran. I hope to see you soon." He said as he entered the carriage.
Mary watched them leave on their carriage. She felt Chapuys come from behind her, staring at the carriage as well.
"It seems his grace has taken a liking to you."
"He can't be. I am married."
"And so is he." Chapuys sighed.
Mary stood surprised at that revelation.
*** Charles' Suite***
Mary quietly tipped toed into the room. She was surprised they let her in so easily however she did not think that was necessarily a good thing. Just how many women have entered these chambers? She gripped the object in her hand and berated herself from thinking about it at all.
She was sure he wasn't inside Chapuys told her Charles would spend Christmas and New Years in Calais as part of the King's party. Apparently the Queen insisted to observed the celebration with the King of France perhaps in hopes of convincing him to finally accept an arranged marriage between Elizabeth and the Dauphin.
Mary pushed her hand against the door handle and found it locked. Her dark brows furrowed in confusion and then began to force the door open.
"What?" She said in annoyance. She hit the door with her hand and wondered why didn't she simply ask someone to place this in his room. Mary knew the answer quite well because she felt too embarrassed to ask, what she was doing was something very out of character for Mary. Christmas was in a few weeks and she had asked permission to return back home to celebrate with Henry. The present she had prepared for Charles made her nervous.
"Never mind Mary." She sighed to herself and decided to go back. It was a terrible idea and he would think her present would be unoriginal.
Defeated she turned around but saw Charles standing in the door way with a surprised expression.
Mary almost jumped in alarm and started to panic. She was caught!
"Mary." He eyed her carefully, Charles hadn't seen her in a week. Her presence made him on edge and unsure, Mary to him was an enigma. He was never sure what she would do or say. But perhaps that is what initially hooked him because she was never boring. However, the uncertainty, the push and pull was beginning to become painful for him.
"Charles." Mary breathed. "You were supposed to be at your meeting."
He looked at her bemused that she knew his schedule. "Am I?"
"Yes."
"It ended early." He shrugged out of his cloak and threw it against the arm chair. "Why are you here? Is everything alright?"
Mary looked down at the small parcel in her hand. There was no turning back now. "I wanted to leave this with your things."
Charles walked towards her, reaching out for the parcel but Mary did not let go. He frowned in confusion. "What is it?"
"It's your Christmas present." She mumbled unable to look him in the eye. She could feel her face grow hot.
Charles blinked not sure he heard right. "This is mine?"
"Yes." Mary stared up at him. "Please do not open it until I leave."
"As you wish." He felt Mary's hand loosen her grip but Charles tightened his. " Leaving so soon?"
He saw her cheeks flush into a pink hue. "Well I thought perhaps you wanted time to…prepare."
"I have already finished."
"Right." Mary laughed nervously, she hated how his presence made her all anxious inside.
Charles gave her an attentive expression, his blue eyes seemed fixated on her silver orbs and in that moment Mary froze in a mesmerized trance. She never noticed his hand stretched pass her to unlock the door. Charles pushed it open in one swift movement not taking his eyes off her.
"How is your friend?" He asked as he placed his hand on the small of her back ushering Mary into the room.
Her eyes widened as she realized he was speaking to her. "Oh! I was told she is improving, she's eating more now."
Charles nodded. "I am glad I was able to help."
"You were more than helpful. Without you I don't believe things would have gone the way it did. And I want to say thank you again. I don't know what you said or did to convince the Baron to an annulment." Mary saw him his luscious lips form into a sheepish grin; her stomach dropped when he smiled like that. She tore her eyes away from him to pretended to concern herself with the chests stacked beside her.
"I wish you would come to me sooner." He wanted to be the first person she came to for everything.
Mary cringed slightly. "I didn't want to burden you."
"Have I ever made you feel burdensome?" She felt his hand on top of hers. His fingers ran gently across the back of her hand, in a sensual manner. Mary stared at his hand mesmerized by the action; he never touched her like this before. However, it was the feeling want which spurred from her that took Mary off guard. She knew he was watching her and she could hear her ear drums beat loudly in her head. Just as she was feeling warm Charles pulled his hand back but Mary gripped it.
"No." She shook her head. Charles never made her feel worthless, ashamed or burdensome. However, her mind would betray her and make feel her insignificant. Mary wasn't the prideful girl as she pretended to be. The reality was Charles married damaged and neglected wife with her own demons. She was not at all like her aunt Margret who was fiery, passionate and wild. Mary envied her aunt for her spirit but would always feel guilty doing so.
"Then please feel at ease."
Charles frowned at Mary's silence, she was in deep thought. "What is the matter?"
Mary opened her mouth but stopped instead stepped even closer to him. Charles shifted uncomfortably and swallowed, her closeness was causing his body react in want. She wrapped her arms around his waist and rest her head against his chest.
He couldn't help but smile and returned her embrace. "What is this for?"
Mary closed her eyes and sighed. "I don't know. I just wanted to hold you like this."
He began to stroke her dark hair with hand as he gripped her protectively with the other. "This is becoming difficult."
Mary stiffened and opened her eyes. "Is it?" She whispered.
Charles remained silent as his heart wrenched in his chest, it was painful. How can a person be so close and yet so far away?
She stared up at him with clear eyes. "Let's not make it difficult."
He raised his brow question. "What?"
Mary stepped away from him. "It's really me." She admitted.
"You know that's not true." He assured her but Mary only frowned. "There are many people in this marriage."
"Charles." She began but he cut her off.
"I've also made mistakes Mary, you are blameless."
Mary fumed and before she knew it he opened her mouth. "I don't want to think about anything anymore. I want us to change!" It seems her mind as escaped her body and now we was mortified at her outburst.
"Is that so?"
"Y-yes." She stammered.
He sat on the armchair. in shock, processing her words. Mary followed him and knelt down in front of him.
He leaned on his arm and watching Mary. Charles shift in the chair and leaned over. "Long ago we talked about how I would earn you and now….you are saying I won't have to."
"Yes."
"What happened to cause this change?"
Mary sighed nervously she was never good with words and that strange who bravely spoke out a few minutes ago was gone.
"Many things I suppose. I really don't know where to start." She glanced at Charles whose blue eyes were fixated on her. She really wished he wouldn't do that because it made her even more nervous.
"Chapuys asked me if I was with child."
Charles was taken back. "Oh."
"Yes." She continued looking at the floor. "I told him I wasn't. I may have told him a bit more actually…." Mary blushed in embarrassment.
Charles narrowed his eyes. "That this marriage isn't consummated."
She nodded. "Yes. And he suggested perhaps it wasn't too late for an annulment and I could get a better match."
Charles was now livid at Chapuys. He couldn't decide what angered him, the fact that Chapuys even suggested to Mary about an annulment or being reminded that she married way below her station.
"Don't be angry." She took his hand comfortingly. Mary saw his jaw tense and eyes darken in anger, the tension nearly radiated from him.
"Go on." He said gently squeezing her hand.
"Well, I felt ill at the thought of an annulment. I can't think of anyone to be married to and after seeing the abuse Elizabeth endured." She stopped short. "I really am fortunate to have married you."
Charles nearly forgot his anger at her confession. "Is that so?"
Mary nodded a yes and he smiled. He was about to pull into an embrace but she pushed him away gently.
"That day in the gardens, you were so sad."
"Yes." "
" I think you felt alone."
His pride wouldn't let him speak on it but Mary knew his silence answered everything. So without any warning she reached for his head and pulled him into a kiss. It wasn't a deep kiss but it was genuine and sweet. She felt his muscles stiffen for a moment and then he felt her arms lift up towards him. Just when his lips were about to respond she pulled back and they stared each other for a few seconds until Charles went in for another kiss and this time it was longer. Mary felt herself grow warm and light; it was if she was melting into him. Her heart just felt a sense of peace that she hasn't felt for so long. Mary placed her hand against his chest and gently pulled away for air.
Charles wiped back her dark hair away from her now understanding. So she had these feelings in her heart for him all along but she couldn't express to him in words. He stood up and helped Mary up from the floor.
He was about to take her right then and there but a knock was heard in the main room.
Mary sucked in her breath feeling disappointed. "Should I hide?"
"No." He took her hand leading her.
Chapuys entered the vicinity and immediately noticed the tension between the young couple. "Forgive my intrusion your grace."
"No need." Charles said. "What can I do for you my Lord?"
"I was only looking for the Lady Mary."
"Me?" She asked in surprise stepping from behind Charles.
The Spaniard nodded and bowed. "The King requested your presence at Calais. You are to make the necessary preparations within the hour and leave with the royal party."
Charles and Mary stared him blankly.
"So I believe we should get going." He extended his arm towards her.
Mary stared at his hand and then back at him.
"Why must I come?"
Chapuys shook his head tiredly. " I do not know princess but it would be better if you didn't refuse."
Charles crossed his arms in deep thought. What did this all mean? He could see how Henry would bring Mary along to stick it to the Queen. However, Henry may have finally given in to Anne's request to arrange a French marriage and therefore publicly announce that Mary is no longer available for marriage because she married to him.
"You are not coming." He stated breaking his silence.
"No." Chapuys answered regretfully. "Ever since His Holiness held the French King hostage, you can imagine how my presence would be received."
"Who will escort her if you cannot?" Charles was heavily dependent on Chapuys when it came to protecting Mary. There was no one else in the world that genuinely had her best interest at heart.
"That is the interesting part." Chapuys reached for a piece of parchment from is cloak and gave it to Charles.
Charles opened it and recognized the King's writing.
Your grace,
I would like for you to tell the Lady Mary that she must make the necessary preparation for Calais as part of my envoy. I have not informed Charles but I trust that you will relay this message for me in time. Since Francis has no tolerance the Spanish I realize that you cannot escort her. So tell Charles that he is to escort her as his ward but will make no claim to her as his wife. Not yet.
King Henry.
Charles scrunched the paper in his hand. Whatever this meant he did not like it.
Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter it was kinda long...just a little LOL
Please review and let me know what you thought! I gave a lot in this chapter but I'm excited for what's happening in France...could be good or bad...what do you guys think will go down?